We sometimes get this thing called constipation, don't we? At that time, it's very difficult, it feels like our stomach is full, and sometimes the whole day is very uncomfortable. So, a medicine that we can use to relieve constipation that we sometimes get is called Senna. It comes in the form of tablets or capsules. Today, let's talk about some important things you need to know about this Senna medicine.
What exactly is this medicine called Senna?
Simply put, Senna is a medicine that is given to you as a treatment for occasional constipation. It works by activating the muscles in your intestines (i.e. the muscles of the intestines) and helping you pass stool easily. That's when you have a bowel movement. This medicine belongs to a class of medicines called laxatives . A laxative is a type of medicine that loosens stool and relieves constipation. Think of it like pushing out some of the things that are stuck in your intestines.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start using Senna, there are some things you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Not all medications are the same for everyone. See if these things apply to you:
- If you have a bowel obstruction: This means that there is a blockage in your intestines that prevents stool from moving through your intestines. Using this type of medication can be dangerous in such cases.
- If you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This can be a condition such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This medicine is also not suitable for people with these conditions.
- If you have other stomach or intestinal problems: For example, frequent stomach cramps.
- If there has been a sudden change in bowel habits for more than two weeks: If constipation suddenly develops and persists for several weeks, it is important to find the cause.
- If you are vomiting: If you are a person who vomits frequently, you should tell them about it before taking this medicine.
- If you have had an allergic reaction or unusual reaction to senna or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives: Some people are allergic to certain things, so it is important to be aware of this.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Not all medications are safe to use during pregnancy, so be sure to tell your doctor about this.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk. So, inform your doctor about this as well.
If any of these apply to you, never take this medicine without medical advice.
How should I use this medicine?
Okay, now let's see how to use this Senna medicine exactly.
- This medicine is to be taken orally. Usually, the pill is said to be taken with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine package or product label exactly. Take it exactly as directed.
- Do not take this medicine in more quantity or more frequently than prescribed by your doctor. Overdosing is not good.
- If you are giving this medicine to children: Doctors can prescribe this medicine to children as young as 2 years old in some special cases. However, there are special precautions. So , be sure to talk to your doctor before giving this medicine to your child. Give it only as directed by the doctor.
- Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Because the right medicine and dosage for each person is different.
What if you feel like you've taken more medication than you thought?
If this happens, that is, if you suspect that you have taken more than the prescribed amount of Senna, go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately, or call a poison control center. Don't delay.
What to do if you forget to take a dose?
We sometimes forget to take our medicine. If you forget to take a dose of Senna, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose. Doing so may increase the amount of medicine you take.
What effects can this medicine have with other medications?
Senna generally does not cause major interactions with other medications. However, do not use any other laxative product with it without talking to your doctor.
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed medicines, medicines you buy at the pharmacy, traditional medicines, herbs, vitamins (dietary supplements) everything). Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs, because some things can interact with the medicines you take.
What should I pay close attention to when using this medicine?
When using Senna, you should also be careful about these things:
- Do not continue to use this medicine for more than a week unless your doctor has advised you otherwise.This is only used for occasional constipation. If you continue to use it, your intestines may become accustomed to it and it may be difficult to pass stool without medication.
- If you experience rectal bleeding after using this medicine, or if you do not have a bowel movement after taking the medicine, stop using the medicine immediately and see your doctor. These may be signs of a more serious condition. So do not take them lightly.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, some people may experience side effects when using Senna. Not everyone will experience them, but it's good to be aware of them.
Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:
These are usually a bit serious, so if you see something like this, see a doctor immediately.
- Allergic reactions: These are very serious. They can include skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.
Side effects that usually do not require medical treatment, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
Even if these are not serious, if they cause you discomfort or do not improve within a few days, tell your doctor.
- Change in urine color: Urine may become dark yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is usually not dangerous and is caused by the medication.
- Diarrhea: The passing of stool.
- Stomach cramping: Feeling like stomach pain.
- Stomach pain.
Remember, this list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store the medicine?
It is also very important to store your medication properly.
- Keep it out of the reach of small children. This is very important, as it can be dangerous if small children drink it.
- Store at room temperature. That is, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not store in very hot or very cold places.
- Keep the medicine bottle or packet tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.
The most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so, from what we've talked about Senna, here are the most important things you need to remember:
- Senna is a laxative used for occasional constipation.
- Before using this, you haveYou should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions or medications you are taking.
- Take only the prescribed amount as directed by your doctor. If giving to children, always seek medical advice.
- Do not use continuously for more than a week, unless directed by a doctor.
- If you experience warning signs, such as rectal bleeding, see a doctor immediately.
- Keep the medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
Remember, this article is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. They will be able to help you. Stay healthy!
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Are Senna pills really a natural herbal medicine?
Yes! This is one of the oldest and most famous herbal medicines in the world. It is made from the dried leaves and pods of the plant 'Cassia / Senna'. Today, tablets like Senokot available in pharmacies are made from this. Doctors use it to treat severe constipation and to completely cleanse the colon before colonoscopy.
💬 How do you get rid of a stomach ache after drinking senna?
This is a slightly more aggressive stimulant laxative than a regular laxative. When you take the pill, the chemicals in it (Sennosides) directly attack the nerves in the large intestine, causing the muscles in the intestine to contract (Muscle contractions/Peristalsis). When those contractions occur, you get cramps and the stool that has been stuck in your bowels is pushed out.
💬 Is it good for the body to take these Senna tablets every day when you have a dry stomach?
Never! This is a big mistake that many people make (do not take it for more than 2 weeks without medical advice). If you drink it every day, your intestines will become lazy and you will not be able to defecate without pills, which will lead to 'bowel dependence'. Not only that, but if you use it for a long time, you will definitely develop a condition called Melanosis coli, where the skin inside the intestines will turn brown/black like the skin of a crocodile.
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